Morowali Customs Seizes 2 Million Illegal Cigarettes
MOROWALI — Morowali Customs has taken action against more than two million illegal cigarettes and around 1,900 litres of illicit alcoholic beverages (MMEA) up to the third quarter of 2026. The enforcement was carried out through market operations along distribution channels down to the retail level, particularly targeting small retailers. The measures are intended to curb the circulation of illegal excisable goods in Central Sulawesi.
The total value of the illegal excisable goods (BKC) seized was around Rp194 billion. The operations also thwarted potential state losses estimated at around Rp3.68 billion, with the goods valued at Rp5.65 billion.
Meanwhile, Morowali Customs recorded Rp2.9 billion in state revenue through the Ultimum Remedium mechanism. The revenue came from administrative sanctions imposed in accordance with excise legislation.
Morowali Customs head Muhariadi Angkat said most of the enforcement operations took place around the industrial area. Monitoring was focused particularly on the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), in Bahodopi district, Morowali regency.
Muhariadi said Morowali Customs had not limited its response to administrative enforcement, but had also pursued cases to the investigation stage. “During 2026, one person was named a suspect in a case involving the trade in illegal excisable goods. The case file was subsequently submitted to the Morowali District Prosecutor’s Office for further legal proceedings,” he said on Tuesday (13 October 2026).
In carrying out its monitoring and enforcement duties, Morowali Customs works with a number of agencies, including Morowali Police, the 1311 Morowali Military District Command, the local government and the Morowali Military Police Sub-Detachment. “This cooperation covers the gathering of information, enforcement operations and investigations into excise violations,” Muhariadi said.
He stressed that his office would continue to strengthen collaboration with all parties to curb the circulation and trade of illegal excisable goods in its area of responsibility. Cross-agency cooperation, he said, was crucial to safeguarding state revenue and fostering a healthy business climate.
“Alongside enforcement, Morowali Customs will step up public awareness campaigns about the dangers and consequences of trading illegal excisable goods. We also urge the public to help by reporting the circulation of illegal cigarettes and not trading or buying cigarettes that do not bear the excise stamp required by law,” Muhariadi said.